White House Gingerbread

challenge. I tried my hand at this craft for the first time as an adult this past Christmas. Wow! It can become all consuming and very addictive. The attention to every little detail and trying to capture just the right look. The White House staff has been taking part in this type of challenge every year since the White House chef started the tradition under President Carter. For the holidays a special gingerbread house is showcased in the White House State Dining Room. The staff can spend up to five months designing, preparing and creating the masterpiece. The 2011 gingerbread house was a true to life recreation of the Presidential mansion and featured white chocolate and a view of the state dining room. The theme of “Shine, Give, Share” was used to show the countless ways we all can lift up those around us. The houses do not always result in a house that looks like a model miniature of the real thing. Sometimes it is a more fanciful recreation with gum drops and candies. These look more fun to make for sure! There are many sites with pictures of the houses. Check out some of the houses through the years- White House Photos. The official White House website has a very interesting short video on the making of the 2009 White House Gingerbread House.